Africa-Press – Eswatini. Technological advancement, automation, and digitisation are projected to significantly reshape global employment patterns.
According to the World Economic Forum, over one billion workers will require reskilling and upskilling by 2030. By 2027, an estimated 85 million jobs may be displaced by technology, while approximately 97 million new roles are expected to emerge in sectors such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, green energy, and digital transformation.
This was highlighted by Andreas Dlamini the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Communications and Technology, who was representing the Minister, Hon. Savannah Maziya, at the launch of the Chevening Mentorship Initiative held today, August 6, 2025.
He emphasised the urgency of reskilling and upskilling the population as part of Eswatini’s digital transformation journey.
“By 2030, over one billion jobs will require reskilling, and 85 million jobs may disappear due to automation. But the good news is that 97 million new roles are emerging and Eswatini must be ready,” he said.
He cited the Ministry’s flagship programme, “Government in Your Hand,” which aims to bridge the digital divide by offering globally recognised certifications from top tech institutions. These certifications open doors to international opportunities, digital entrepreneurship, and remote employment.
The Principal Secretary also warned that the 2022 National Skills Audit and the recently released 2025 Labour Market Skills Anticipation Report have exposed a concerning shortage of skills in STEM the cornerstone of the future economy.
To address this, the Ministry has intensified efforts to build local capacity. These include hosting the STEM Career Expo, mentoring 300 young women every quarter through the STEM Future Pioneers Programme, and offering scholarships in partnership with the Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM) to support girls pursuing careers in science and technology.
“Today, 108 girls are actively exploring careers in AI, robotics, and space science. These are the leaders of tomorrow’s digital economy,” the Minister said.
The Chevening Mentorship Initiative was hailed as a timely and strategic platform that aligns with the Ministry’s vision. It pairs students with experienced professionals to build confidence, leadership, and career clarity using e-learning to reach even the most underserved communities.
The Minister extended his gratitude to the British High Commission and Chevening Alumni, noting that mentorship is one of the most powerful tools to transform lives “I am a testament to the power of mentorship,” he said.
He concluded with a call for continued collaboration, stressing the need to align education systems with the demands of a rapidly changing global labour market.
“With the right skills, Eswatini can be more than a consumer of technology it can become a producer of solutions for the world,” he said.
For More News And Analysis About Eswatini Follow Africa-Press
